LOT 30
1956 Ford Thunderbird P-Code Chassis no. P6FH302648
Sold for US$31,360 inc. premiumLot to be sold without reserve
Lot 30
1956 Ford Thunderbird P-Code
1956 Ford Thunderbird P-Code
Chassis no. P6FH302648
Chassis no. P6FH302648
312ci OHV V8 Engine
Single 4-Barrel Holley Carburetor
225bhp at 4,500rpm
3-Speed Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Sporting 225hp P-Code Thunderbird Special engine option
*Extensively restored
*The originator of the 'Personal Car' concept
THE FORD THUNDERBIRD
Conceived to challenge Chevrolet's recently released Corvette sports car, the Ford Thunderbird debuted in October 1954 as one of the first models produced with Ford's new overhead-valve V8 engine. Introduced in two-seat 'personal car' form, the Thunderbird was aimed at image-conscious younger customers and beat the Corvette hands down in the sales war thanks to its superior V8 engine and greater refinement.
A low, sleek two-seater, the Thunderbird offered amenities not found in the competing Chevrolet Corvette, most particularly rollup windows, offering comfort and convenience options tailored to an affluent market. Ford's product planners were spot on, and over 16,000 Thunderbirds were assembled in the 1955 model year.
Some refinements were made for the '56 season, the most obvious being the relocation of the spare wheel to the outside of the trunk in 'Continental Kit' style, while a 312ci, 215bhp Thunderbird Special V8 was added to the option sheet. The 1957 model year saw the adoption of a longer tail section and more prominent fins. This alteration provided greater luggage space while enabling the spare wheel to be relocated in the boot, intended to improve the handling. Despite its success, the original Thunderbird concept was soon abandoned for a larger, heavier, and slower four-seat version in 1958, a move that turned the early two-seater cars into collectors' items seemingly overnight.
THE CAR OFFERED
This striking Thunderbird stems from the penultimate production year of the classic, two-seat iteration of Ford's trend-setting personal car. The P in the serial number denotes this as a "P-Code" car, featuring the optional Thunderbird Special V8 – the 312ci (vs the standard 292ci) topped with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and rated for 225bhp by the factory. This car was previously part of an extensive Thunderbird collection for around 10 years, and it was the subject of an extensive restoration which remains in excellent condition today. A striking example in every regard and finished in a flattering combination of Raven Black over black and white upholstery, one should be very pleased with this beautiful example of Ford's classic Thunderbird.
Single 4-Barrel Holley Carburetor
225bhp at 4,500rpm
3-Speed Ford-O-Matic Automatic Transmission
Front Independent Suspension – Live Rear Axle
4-Wheel Drum Brakes
*Sporting 225hp P-Code Thunderbird Special engine option
*Extensively restored
*The originator of the 'Personal Car' concept
THE FORD THUNDERBIRD
Conceived to challenge Chevrolet's recently released Corvette sports car, the Ford Thunderbird debuted in October 1954 as one of the first models produced with Ford's new overhead-valve V8 engine. Introduced in two-seat 'personal car' form, the Thunderbird was aimed at image-conscious younger customers and beat the Corvette hands down in the sales war thanks to its superior V8 engine and greater refinement.
A low, sleek two-seater, the Thunderbird offered amenities not found in the competing Chevrolet Corvette, most particularly rollup windows, offering comfort and convenience options tailored to an affluent market. Ford's product planners were spot on, and over 16,000 Thunderbirds were assembled in the 1955 model year.
Some refinements were made for the '56 season, the most obvious being the relocation of the spare wheel to the outside of the trunk in 'Continental Kit' style, while a 312ci, 215bhp Thunderbird Special V8 was added to the option sheet. The 1957 model year saw the adoption of a longer tail section and more prominent fins. This alteration provided greater luggage space while enabling the spare wheel to be relocated in the boot, intended to improve the handling. Despite its success, the original Thunderbird concept was soon abandoned for a larger, heavier, and slower four-seat version in 1958, a move that turned the early two-seater cars into collectors' items seemingly overnight.
THE CAR OFFERED
This striking Thunderbird stems from the penultimate production year of the classic, two-seat iteration of Ford's trend-setting personal car. The P in the serial number denotes this as a "P-Code" car, featuring the optional Thunderbird Special V8 – the 312ci (vs the standard 292ci) topped with a Holley 4-barrel carburetor and rated for 225bhp by the factory. This car was previously part of an extensive Thunderbird collection for around 10 years, and it was the subject of an extensive restoration which remains in excellent condition today. A striking example in every regard and finished in a flattering combination of Raven Black over black and white upholstery, one should be very pleased with this beautiful example of Ford's classic Thunderbird.
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